Alright, let's dive deep into the Sony Xperia 5 IV and the Motorola ThinkPhone. These two devices, while both aiming for the premium market, take distinctly different approaches. I'll break down their specs, discuss real-world impacts, and help you figure out which might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs and what they mean for daily use:
| Feature | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Sony is more compact, ThinkPhone is noticeably taller and wider |
| Weight | 172g | 188.5g | Sony feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have excellent screen protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | ThinkPhone provides a larger screen for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 | 1080x2400 | Sony's display has slightly more detail |
| PPI | 449 | 399 | Sony's display appears sharper and more refined |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Similar high-quality display tech |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits (reported) | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone is significantly better for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ThinkPhone's chip is slightly faster with improved efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,021,542 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has better overall performance in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both use the same GPU architecture, similar graphics potential |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | ThinkPhone has higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor. Sony has a wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45 | ThinkPhone has higher resolution, Sony wider aperture for better low-light |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Sony offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Sony allows for ultra-wide perspective photos |
| Depth Sensor | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.4 | Motorola allows wide + Macro mode |
| Video | Up to 4K 120fps | Up to 8K 30fps | ThinkPhone supports 8k video, Sony is limited to 4K |
| DXOMark (Sony) | 119 | N/A | Sony's camera has been benchmarked |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery endurance |
| Charging | 30W fast | 68W fast | ThinkPhone charges much faster |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse | 15W wireless | Sony has extra features; Thinkphone wireless charging |
| Software | Android 12/13 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has a more recent Android Version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | Similar standards, Motorola has extra features |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, advanced profiles | 5.2 | Sony has more advanced Bluetooth capabilities |
| GPS | L1+L5, Galileo (E1+E5a) | SUPL, Galileo | Sony has more advanced GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Nano+eSIM | Nano+Nano | Sony has eSIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | ThinkPhone has a singular storage variant |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer adequate RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, 2 mics | Sony edges with better audio quality; Motorola has better recording with 2 mics |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted finger print | basic fingerprint | Sony features a more advanced sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer, Compass | None | Sony has extra features |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Sony Xperia 5 IV Strengths:
- Compact Design: It's noticeably smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle one-handed.
- Display Sharpness: The higher pixel density results in a sharper, more detailed display.
- Advanced Camera Features: The telephoto and wide-angle lens offer great versatility in photography. It is the only one with DxOmark scores, a great score too!
- Audio Prowess: It has slightly better audio quality, offering Hi-Res Audio and better overall audio immersion with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers.
- GPS: Its GPS with L1+L5 and Galileo bands (E1+E5a) offers more precise location accuracy.
- Bluetooth Advanced Features: It features advanced Bluetooth profiles.
- eSIM: It supports eSIM functionalities.
- Sensors: It has extra sensors like Barometer, Compass.
Motorola ThinkPhone Strengths:
- Larger Display: Ideal for users who prioritize media consumption and larger text.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides improved overall performance and efficiency.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Camera Versatility: Main camera has 50MP, 8K recording and Macro shooting capabilities
- Latest Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Wi-Fi MIMO: it has an additional wifi feature
- 15W Wireless Charging: Convenient for those who use wireless charging pads.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Lacks the screen brightness, and faster charging speeds of the ThinkPhone. Its main camera sensor is smaller, and it is capped at 4K video.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Larger and heavier, might not be comfortable for some. It lacks the dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses, also no Hi-Res audio support. It is lacking on GPS capabilities. Its Bluetooth features are more basic.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Content Creators: The 4k 120fps and triple-lens camera are very flexible for on-the-go content creation. The High-Res audio also lets them monitor recording with high quality audio.
- One-Handed Use: Users who value a compact, lightweight phone for comfortable one-handed use will love this device.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want great quality from multiple types of camera lenses.
- Audiophiles: Users looking for enhanced audio quality, including Hi-Res Audio.
- Advanced GPS Users: Users needing advanced GPS functionalities.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Media Consumers: People who watch videos and consume content frequently will appreciate the large screen.
- Outdoor Users: Users who often use their phone in bright sunlight will appreciate the brighter display.
- Power Users: Those who need the fastest charging and good performance for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Professionals: Those who need macro photos on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize compactness and one-handed use, or a larger display for immersive content?
- If compactness, go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If larger screen, go for the Motorola ThinkPhone.
- Do you need the best camera flexibility and Hi-Res audio, or do you prioritize performance, fast charging, and 8K recording?
- If camera flexibility & Hi-Res Audio, choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- If performance and fast charging, choose the Motorola ThinkPhone.
- Is better outdoor screen visibility and fast charging crucial for your daily usage?
- If yes, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the clear winner here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler/Outdoor Enthusiast: If you often find yourself using your phone outdoors, capturing photos, and needing fast charging, the Motorola ThinkPhone will suit your needs better with its brighter display and speedy charging.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use & Media Enjoyment: If you like enjoying content with a bigger screen on the go, Motorola ThinkPhone's larger screen and performance makes it a good choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual Mobile Videography: If you are a content creator and need better camera versatility, The Sony Xperia 5 IV with it's flexible lenses and features will help you achieve what you need.
- Scenario 4: Audiophile: If you enjoy music and want the best audio on your phone, you will prefer Sony Xperia 5 IV's support for Hi-Res audio.
- Scenario 5: Compact Power User: If you want all the power of a flagship phone but in a smaller and more manageable form factor, and you need eSIM, Sony is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 IV. As a tech journalist, I often need a device that is comfortable for one-handed use while working on the go and has a flexible camera system that can handle a variety of photos and videos. While it doesn't have the brightest screen or the fastest charging, its balance of size, camera versatility, Hi-Res audio, and eSIM, plus its more advanced GPS capabilities is perfect for my typical needs and on-the-go requirements. The fact that I need to monitor my content with great audio is also a strong point for the Sony phone, as well as the fact that its camera performance has been benchmarked by DxOmark and has great ratings. While the Motorola ThinkPhone is powerful with 8K, fast charging and a large screen, it is too big for me and its camera lacks the versatility and quality that the Sony offers.
